Anoka County Airport - MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce

�
Volume
2009
Volume 22
20 •�No.
No.6 7• June
July,
2008
Mission Statement: The MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce advocates and promotes business in the northern metropolitan trade area, strengthening our community.
Anoka County Airport
SBA’S New America’s Recovery Capial (ARC) Loan
We at CMDC are pleased to share with the Metro
We are currently reviewing an issue that is viewed
North Chamber members the following information
as
a
controversial
undertaking
by
many
members
Board
regarding a new loan program from the U.S. Small
of our community. As you probably know, there has
Nominations ......... p 1
Business
Administration.
Small businesses
With the cost of gas skyrocketing,
other
types
of
transportation
other
questions
will
be addressed
at
been some discussion concerning the expansion of
suffering
financial
hardship
as a result of the slow
modes are getting a serious examination.
our
August
membership
meeting.
the Anoka County Airport’s east west runway from
Board of
economy
may
be
eligible
to
receive
temporary relief
its
current
5,000
ft
to
6,000
ft.
One
significant
reaDirectors ............... p 2
to keepAugust
their doors
At our next MetroNorth Chamber
membership
meeting,
thebusiness
CEO
Markto
down Tuesday,
12th, open and get their cash flow
son for
this is to allow
small
aircraft
takeoff
and land in
during
ofEvent
the “most innovative” electric
car company
Northinclement
America weather.
to attend this meeting.
Registraback on track.
will
address
Chamber
members.
tion
begins
at
11:00
a.m.,
followed
Recap ................... p 2
The SBA’s recent News Release states that
The decision of your Chamber to support
runbythe
lunch
at noon. The program is
beginning
on June 15, 2009, SBA will start
way extension
remain
on itsto last
Our
CompanyorCEO
Ianneutral
Cliffordwill be based
scheduled
until 1:15 p.m.
Golffeatured speaker, ZENN Motor
guaranteeing
America’s Recovery Capital (ARC)
impact
to
the
business
community.
The
Chamber
Recap
..................
was
recently
featuredp.in2 Bloomberg News, Forbes, the Wall Street
loans.
ARC
loans
are deferred-payment loans of
is
all
about
promoting
economic
development
and
Journal, Christian Science Monitor, and Road News as an innovaThe cost is $25 per member and
up
to
$35,000
available
to established, viable,
expansion
commuCard
tive
leader in the alternative auto
industry.of business and jobs in your$35
per non-member. Tables of
for-profit
small
businesses
that need short-term
nity.
Check ................... p 3
eight are discounted to $160, a
help
to
make
their
principal
and
interest payments
Newsweek magazine called ZENN electric cars the “commuter
savings of $40.
on
existing
qualifying
debt.
ARC
loans are interestUltimately,
the
Board
of
Directors
will
decide
the
Nine
king of plug-in’s.” With a major breakthrough in battery technolposition
your
Chamber
will
take
on
the
proposed
Rules
.....................
p
3
free
to
the
borrower,
100
percent
guaranteed by
ogy, ZENN motors will unveil an electric car that goes 80 miles an
This meeting will be held at the
runway extension. That is why we are soliciting your
the
SBA,
and
have
no
SBA
fees
associated
with
hour with 200 miles between battery charges. Learn about emergMermaid in Mounds View, 2200
Upcoming
opinion on this important issue. I encourage you to
them.
Ian Clifford
ing
alternatives
to gasoline
Will electric
County Road 10. Please RSVP to
Events
...................
p 4 powered
e-mail motor
me atvehicles.
[email protected]
with
CEO
of
ZENN
cars have a future as a major transportation
mode?
This
and
[email protected].
As part of the Recovery Act, the
ARC Motor
programCo.
your thoughts on the proposed runway extension. I
was created as a no-interest, deferred payment
Ribbon
appreciate your input.
loan to help small businesses that have a history
Cuttings ................ p 5
Special Chamber Member
“Thank
You
Day”
at
TPC onbutFriday,
July
18
ofthe
good performance,
as a result of
the tough
Board Nominations
New Members
economy, are struggling to make debt payments.
The
Championship
“special
passes”
to Metroplease
or call of
(763)
and3M
Renewals
....... p 6has provided
ARC [email protected]
loans will be disbursed within a period
Chamber
members
in good
standing aretions,
eligible
to e-mail
North Chamber members. apply for a position on the MetroNorth783-3553.
who
want to
attend
shouldfunds
call the
Chamber Members
up to six
months
and
will provide
to Chamber
be
Members in
to pick
up their tickets.
Our address
is 9380
Board of Directors. The Board of Directorstoisarrange
respon-a time
used
for payments
of principal
and interest
forCenthethe
News
..............
p 6the tournament,
tral
Ave.
NE.,
#320.
On
opening
day of
Chamber
members
will
sible for setting Chamber policy. All Board members
existing, qualifying small business debt including
have the opportunity to collectively
network,
with
local and August 12 2009.
applications
aremeet
due by
Wednesday,
mortgages, term and revolving lines of credit,
Get dignitaries,
to know your
state
and potentially
greet oneinterested
of the topinpro
golfersposition
on
Individuals
a Board
are expectcapital leases, credit card obligations and notes
Chamber
p 7also includes
the
circuit................
This event
luncha provided
Prom
ed to serve
three yearbyterm
beginning in January of
payable to vendors, suppliers and utilities.
2010.
Board members
canwill
also
Catering. Soft drinks and other
non-alcoholic
beverages
beserve an additional
Repayment will not begin until 12 months after
June Calendar
three year
term. A
selection
made up of
served free of charge. Your Chamber
package
also
includescommittee
free
the final disbursement. Borrowers don’t have to
of Events .............. p 8
current
Board County
members
will review the applications.
parking and shuttle service from
the Anoka
Airport.
pay interest on ARC loans. After the 12-month
The recommended slate of candidates will then be
deferral period, borrowers will pay back the loan
voted
at the Chamber
Meeting.
From
4:00 to 6:00 p.m. there will
beon
a private
reception,Annual
which inprincipal over a period of up to five years.
[email protected]
cludes
appetizers, cash bar, and appearances by players at the
www.metronorthchamber.org
Scheduled Board meetings take place on the secARC loans will be made by commercial lenders, not
Tournament
Players
Tom Snell, Executive
DirectorClubhouse.
ond Wednesday of every month at 7:30 a.m. Board
Central
Minnesota Development Company or the
Rita Moser, Administrative Assistant
members
are July
expected
to take
their
role seriously
th. Come
SBA.
If
you
have questions, contact Scott Schake,
Registration
begins
at
10:30
a.m.
on
Friday,
18
to
the
Lori Higgins, Manager of
attend
all Board
meetings.
th green.
Kevin Weeres or me at 763-784-3337.
Estimated
price
for this If you would like
special
Pro Am Tent on the 18and
Administration
to be considered as a candidate for the Board
package is $150.00. The MetroNorth Chamber has a limited supMichael J. Mulrooney,
please contact Tom Snell (763) 783-3553 or e-mail
ply of free passes for this event. If you are interested in [email protected].
President
Table
of Contents:
Zero
Emissions
Zero Noise…
Airport ................... p 1
Is the future of the automobile at our August meeting?
Volume 20
�
No. 7
�
July, 2008
Event Recap: Great events, great feedback.
2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Zero Emissions Zero Noise…
Is the future of the automobile at our August meeting?
Gary Levine, CHAIR
Dunwoody College of Technology
612-381-3302
Leonard Gandel, VICE CHAIR
612-750-0845
Jim Kugler, TREASURER
Kugler Financial, 763-784-0256
JoAnn
Evans,
CHAIR
Special
Chamber
Member PAST
“Thank You
Day” at the TPC on Friday, July 18
PC Solutions, 763-221-7700
Duane Arens
Connexus Energy, 763-323-2719
John Connelly
National Sports Center, 763-785-5601
Dick Haluptzok
612-987-2960
Heidi Heroff
SPIRE, 651-641-2116
Tom Newland
Allegra Print and Imaging, 763-780-0792
Sue Ann Olson
Walters Recycling & Refuse, 763-438-6359
Dean Richards
Smith Schafer & Associates Ltd., 651-770-8414
Bob Schlichte
Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley, 763-488-1899
Mike Thorsland
Nationwide Insurance, 763-780-1133
Mary Tjosvold
Mary T., Inc., 763-754-2505
Lisa Tollakson
ADP, 763-234-8736
Committee Chairs:
Ambassador:
Deb Barbeln, Independent Beauty Consultant
Gala: Heidi Heroff, SPIRE
Golf: Tom Newland, Allegra Printing, and
Leonard Gandel
Government Affairs: Mike Kraft, HTG
Architects
BEL Bill Gschwind, Inpursuit Consulting
Young Professionals Mike Schardin,
Betmar Launguages
Marketing: Randy Korus, Cyberex
Membership: Mike Thorsland,
Nationwide Insurance
Sunrise: Dean Hancy, PC Bits, and Dean
Prince, Tidbits
Wine Tasting: Jim Kugler, Kugler Financial
Services, and Tom Newland, Allegra
Printing
With the cost of gas skyrocketing, other types of transportation
modes are getting a serious examination.
other questions will be addressed at
our August membership meeting.
At our next MetroNorth Chamber membership meeting, the CEO
of the “most innovative” electric car company in North America
will address Chamber members.
Mark down Tuesday, August 12th,
to attend this meeting. Registration begins at 11:00 a.m., followed
by lunch at noon. The program is
scheduled to last until 1:15 p.m.
Our featured speaker, ZENN Motor Company CEO Ian Clifford
was recently featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes, the Wall Street
Journal, Christian Science Monitor, and Road News as an innovative leader in the alternative auto industry.
Newsweek magazine called ZENN electric cars the “commuter
king of plug-in’s.” With a major breakthrough in battery technology, ZENN motors will unveil an electric car that goes 80 miles an
hour with 200 miles between battery charges. Learn about emerging alternatives to gasoline powered motor vehicles. Will electric
cars have a future as a major transportation mode? This and
The 3M Championship has provided “special passes” to MetroNorth Chamber members.
On the opening day of the tournament, Chamber members will
have the opportunity to collectively network, meet with local and
state dignitaries, and potentially greet one of the top pro golfers on
the circuit. This event also includes lunch provided by Prom
Catering. Soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages will be
served free of charge. Your Chamber package also includes free
parking and shuttle service from the Anoka County Airport.
The cost is $25 per member and
$35 per non-member. Tables of
eight are discounted to $160, a
savings of $40.
This meeting will be held at the
Mermaid in Mounds View, 2200
County Road 10. Please RSVP to
[email protected].
Ian Clifford
CEO of ZENN Motor Co.
tions, please e-mail [email protected] or call (763)
783-3553. Members who want to attend should call the Chamber
to arrange a time to pick up their tickets. Our address is 9380 Central Ave. NE., #320.
From 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. there will be a private reception, which includes appetizers, cash bar, and appearances by players at the
Tournament Players Clubhouse.
Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 18th. Come to the
special Pro Am Tent on the 18th green. Estimated price for this
package is $150.00. The MetroNorth Chamber has a limited supply of free passes for this event. If you are interested in reserva-
If you are interested in joining a committee or learning more, contact the
Chamber. We’d love to hear from you!
On April 23, the MetroNorth Chamber
was an exhibitor at the New Business
Minnesota Small Business Expo. At
this expo the Chamber met many new
businesses in the area and was able
to talk about the advantages of being
a MetroNorth Chamber member. The
Chamber also gave away many free
admission tickets to existing members. One such recipient was Dean
Prince, Tidbits. According to Dean,
“It was a very well participated event,
at which I gathered no less than 40
business cards and met no less than
twice that many business persons.
The showroom layout and displays
were excellent as was the food and
the facility in general. This was one of
the best expos I’ve attended in recent
memory and would not hesitate to go
again.”
The Transportation Subcommittee
continued to meet with local and state
officials to discuss mutual transportation objectives for Anoka County;
May 6th capped off these meetings
with a discussion with state representatives. Everyone with whom the
Subcommittee has met along the way
has been very appreciative of the
Chamber’s interest and involvement
in this issue. Now the Subcommittee
plans to reconvene and decide their
next steps. Look for an update from
them very soon about their efforts.
The guest speaker for BEL on Friday,
May 8 was Mark Hanson, owner of
Performance Sales and Marketing.
The topic was “winning sales techniques” and Mr. Hanson gave excellent advice as to how to close more
profitable deals.
One attendee,
Bryon Schillaci, Account Executive,
Synergistic Software Solutions, commented that “I thoroughly enjoyed
the BELL presentation on Sales and
Marketing. It was a great refresher on
sales fundamentals.”
Golf Recap
Tuesday, May 12 was our 21st Annual
Golf Tournament at Majestic Oaks
in Ham Lake. About 200 golfers,
hole sponsors and volunteers came
together to enjoy a great day on the
golf course. Other than some wind,
everyone stayed dry and enjoyed fast
play, great hole sponsor activities (the
marshmallow putting contest was a
bit hit!) and a great steak dinner &
silent auction/raffle.
Congratulations again to the winners
of the tournament: Brad Crandall &
Dale Pfeiffer of CU Companies, and
Dan Grassman, Ameriprise Financial.
Their score of 58 gained them a first
place victory and some fabulous trophies. Other winners that day were:
Longest Drive, Signature #14: Dallas
Teerlink, Running Aces; Longest
Drive, Crossroads #18: Kori DeJong,
Wellington Management; Longest
Putt, Signature #15: Steve Gansmoe,
Jorgenson Construction; Longest
Putt, Crossroads #11: Bob Schlichte,
Grand Casino Mille Lacs Hinckley;
Closest to the Pin, Signature #8:
Heather Martin, SPIRE FCU; Closest
to the Pin, Crossroads #5: Tim Odell,
Veolia ES; Grand Raffle Prize of 2
Airline Tickets: Julie Nash Smith,
Gaughan Companies.
Again, it was an excellent day and a
2
wonderful tournament, and we want
to say thank you to everyone who
came that day and either played,
sponsored a hole, volunteered, or
donated items. Many thanks to
Majestic Oaks for hosting the tournament – it was good to be back! A
special thanks to the golf committee,
led by Tom Newland, Allegra Printing,
and Leonard Gandel: Barry Oxton,
Ameriprise Financial; Bill Gschwind,
Inpursuit Consulting; Bryon Schillaci,
Synergistic Software Solutions; Chad
Salewski, Signs Now; Dan Grassman,
Ameriprise Financial; Dean Richards,
Smith Schafer & Associates; Jean
Maybrey, Energy Doctor of Twin
Cities; Jim Kaczrowski, Signs by
Tomorrow; Jim Kugler, Kugler
Financial Services; Linda LaFrenier,
Stonebridge Kitchens; & Sue Ann
Olson, Walters Refuse & Recycling.
Unions Use Card Check to Force You to
Think Again... And Again... And Again
By: Representative Michele Bachmann, US House of
Representatives
Former Democrat Presidential nominee and liberal stalwart,
George McGovern recently had this to say to his friends in the
labor movement:
Voting is an immense privilege.
That is why I am concerned about a new development that
could deny this freedom to many Americans. The legislation
is called the Employee Free Choice Act, and I am sad to say it
runs counter to ideals that were once at the core of the labor
movement. Instead of providing a voice for the unheard, EFCA
risks silencing those who would speak.
(“My Party Should Respect Secret Union Ballots,” Wall Street
Journal, August 8, 2008).
I strongly oppose this legislation that would force unionization
– and union dues – on workers by stripping them of their right
to a secret ballot. In fact, last year, I joined with organizations
like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – as well as groups that
serve many unionized employees like the Fraternal Order of
Police, the American Hospital Association, and others – in
opposing this bill.
Under current law, such decisions are made by secret ballot
with full confidentiality. I have cosponsored alternative legislation, the Secret Ballot Protection Act, that would guarantee a
worker’s right to a secret vote instead of allowing tactics of
coercion and force to decide their employment future. And,
there is much evidence of the use of intimidation, discrimination and even harassment in such circumstances.
Work hard. To prosper in tough times, apply yourself as never
before. As business coach Brian Tracy says, “You work eight
hours per day for survival; everything over eight hours per day
is for success.”
Do the ‘right’ things. It’s tempting, especially under stress, to
default to easier tasks and leave tough assignments for later.
Now more than ever, focus on your bottom line. Address the
big picture issues which include strategy, sales, and growth.
Be honest. Don’t cut corners to save money. You know better. Don’t compromise your integrity for short-term gain.
Be fair. With both you staff and customers. Both are essential
to your business.
Adapt. The world is re-inventing itself right outside your door.
You’ll be obsolete unless you keep on top of what is happening in your industry and change.
Stop crying. Fretting over how bad things may be does not
help yourself, your staff or your business. ‘Bad energy begets
bad energy,’ says Richard Goldman, former EVP of Men’s
Warehouse, and he is right.
Ask for help. Open up to business professionals you trust,
ask for their advice and share your thoughts in return. The
combined wisdom may help all your businesses thrive.
Play a little. Long hours may be necessary to keep you
business going, but schedule some R&R time to renew your
energy and focus your mind.
When you fall down, get up. You’re likely to face some setbacks in this economy, but keep this in mind: The businessperson who shows resilience will be the one standing when
JUN
Cash
flow.qxp
good
times
return. 1/6/2009 9:40 AM Page 1
We make
cash flow.
There are no protections for the average American worker
under this legislation, which the Administration and its supporters have called a necessary tool to rebuild the working
middle class. Workers have a right to unionize just as employers have an obligation to take care of their employees, but the
card check process removes the worker’s private ballot while
substituting the union leaders as a single representative of a
divided workforce.
I would like to think that no threatening practices would happen
under the Card Check method, but don’t be fooled by a seemingly virtuous name that “sticks it to the man.” The Employee
Free Choice Act is more about freedom for bullies and discontented union leaders than the freedom of our unalienable right
to a confidential vote. Your right to a secret ballot is one of the
most cherished of American freedoms and it deserves universal
protection from threats and intimidation.
Cash is vital to your company’s long-term success.
Anchor Bank’s complete line of cash management
services may be just what your business needs to
help make your cash flow. Put your money to
work for you. Call Anchor Bank today.
Nine Rules for Business
Success in Tough Times
(Article by Kevin Ireland, editor and publisher of the North
Central Florida Business Report. Ireland says the work was
inspired by Robert Fulgham’s book titled All I Need to Know I
Learned in Kindergarten. Reprinted with permission.)
www.anchorlink.com
10710 Town Square Dr. NE • Blaine • 763-795-8400
3
UPCOMING EVENTS
New Sunrise Schedule!
After much feedback from our members, we have decided to streamline our Friday morning Sunrise schedule.
Starting in June, we will rotate between 2 locations.
have shared their thoughts on the Sunrise meetings.
Business Promotion to Ethnic Communities
Successful business people understand the need to be
flexible in meeting the challenges of today’s economy.
This means success will hinge on uncovering new strategies to expand ones customer base. Often overlooked
are the enormous opportunities available in our emerging
ethnic communities.
The first location is the Wingate Hotel in Coon Rapids,
which is a location we are currently using. The Coon
Rapids Sunrise meetings will be on the 1st and 3rd
Friday’s of the month.
The second location will be at Majestic Oaks in Ham
Lake, off of Hwy 65 and Bunker Lake Boulevard. These
Sunrise meetings will be on the 2nd and 4th Friday’s of
the month.
If you examine today’s demographics the Hispanic and
Muslim communities alone emerge at close to 200,000
residents in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. You can be
at the forefront in tapping into those emerging markets
by attending the next BEL Seminar.
The format will remain the same – bring your business
cards and your 60-second commercial. This is a great
way to network and get referrals. If you haven’t been
to a Sunrise recently, we encourage you to come and
network. Especially in these difficult economic times, it’s
important to be visible and connect with other members.
The more people who come the more successful these
meetings become.
The Chamber leaders from the Hispanic Chamber
and the Unity Cooperative Council, Arab Chamber of
Commerce, will address this forum and answer questions.
This special BEL event will be on Wednesday, June
17th at the Seasons Country Club. Registration begins
at 11:30 am with lunch and address from 12–1 pm. The
Seasons Country Club is in Coon Rapids, off Foley Blvd
and County Road 14 in Bunker Hills Regional Park. Cost
to attend is $12 members and $17 non-members. RSVP
to [email protected].
The cost remains the same: $10 for members and $15
for nonmembers. We will continue to post these locations on our website, our monthly newsletter and our
weekly e-newsletter. Our goal is always to make our
events the most productive and useful for our members,
and we want to sincerely say thank you to everyone who
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4
#
Ribbon Cutting
Paddy Wagon’s Irish
Pub Located at 133
Coon Rapids Blvd in the
old Tequilaberry’s, Paddy
Wagon’s Irish Sports Pub
offers fun and games
such as bango, dart
tournaments, Laughter in
the Loft comedy shows,
karoke, live music, and more. An 8-page menu offers a wide
variety of choices, including a ‘wee ones’ menu. (763) 7800500.
Andover Cinema: The
Andover Cinema is a
state of the art 10 screen
conveniently
theatre
located on Bunker Lake
Boulevard in the Andover
Commercial
Station
Development in Andover,
MN. The Andover Cinema
is independently owned and operated by a Minnesota based
corporation. We opened in May of 1999 and are celebrating
our 10 year anniversary. We have a seating capacity of 1500,
curved screens, all stadium seating, all DTS sound. Visit them
at www.andovercinema.com.
Ambassadors Present: Bill Gavin, AmRes Mortgage, Diane
Nichols, Courtyards of Andover; Dean Prince, Tidbits, Mike
Schardin, betmar languages, Damien Kussian, North Metro
TV; Jim Kugler, Kugler Financial Services;Tom Newland,
Allegra Printing; Kari Hefnider, American Family Insurance
– Jeff Baker Agency; Chad Gomez, Pre-Paid Legal Services,
Inc., Heidi Heroff, SPIRE; Pam Becker, Reflection Promotional
Products. Cutting the ribbon are owner Dominic McMahon
and manager Patrick Flanagan.
Ambassadors Present: Jim Huff, Achieve Services; Pam
Becker, Reflection Promotional Products; Deb Barbeln,
Independent Beauty Consultant; Christina Akinola, Anoka
Hennepin Credit Union; Mike Schardin, betmar languages;
Heidi Heroff, SPIRE FCU; and Chris Wiles, TDS Metrocom.
Cutting the ribbon are owners Clayton Kerns and Shane
Maxwell.
Thank You
GFA Interiors: GFA Interiors
is owned by Gail Fackler
and represents multiple
lines of commercial furniture
for the following markets:
College/Universities, K-12,
Healthcare
Government,
Other
and Business.
product lines offered by
GFA Interiors are all types of flooring for both residential and
commercial, window coverings and interior signage. Contact Gail
at [email protected].
Payroll Control Systems
for handling the Chamber Payroll.
Payroll Control Systems:
(763) 513-5951
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Ambassadors Present: Jim Huff, Achieve Services: Pam Becker,
Reflection Promotional Products; Deb Barbeln, Independent
Beauty Consultant; Sherrie Hatton, SeaMaster Cruises; Christina
Akinola, Anoka Hennepin Credit Union; Tom Newland, Allegra
Printing. Cutting the ribbon is owner Gail Fackler.
For the third month in a row, the AmBASSador of the month is
Pam Becker, Reflection Promotional Products. Pam made a
special note that Kari Hefnider, American Family Insurance-Jeff
Baiker Agency was next in line to be honored, and graciously
gave Kari the fish plaque! Congratulations to both Pam & Kari!
5
Schedule your company’s meeting or party.
Call 877-447-2631.
April 2009 New Members
American Family InsuranceKathleen Poehls
Kathleen Poehls
2817 Northdale Blvd NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
763-767-6950
www.kathypoehlsagency.com
Insurance
Andy Westerberg Agency
Andy Westerberg
10600 University Avenue NW
Coon Rapids, MN
763-754-1600
Insurance
Billboard Connections
Paul Cowan
7703 Central Avenue NE
Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
763-786-5500 X102
www.billboardconnection-twincities.com
Advertising Agencies
Infusion Media Group
John McGovern
10943 Washington Street NE
Blaine, MN 55434
763-443-4559
www.infusionmg.com
Computers/ Web Design/
Development
Members in the News:
LePage & Sons Inc.
Clint LePage
613 111th Avenue NE
Blaine, MN 55434
763-757-7100
www.lepageandsons.com
Waste Removal/Recycle
Sam Leon, Acapulco’s
The MetroNorth Chamber recently nominated Sam
Leon, Chief Operating Officer of Acapulco Mexican
Restaurants, for the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business
Journal’s 2009 Minority Business Awards. We are very
pleased to announce that Sam has been selected as
one of the 10 Minority Business Executives honorees!
LJG, LLC
Leonard Gandel
10603 Pierce Street NE
Blaine MN, 55434
612-750-0845
Real Estate
The Business Journal editors selected this year’s
honorees based on professional achievements,
community service and diversity. They were impressed
by Sam Leon’s professional and personal achievements,
and he will receive his award at a special event on June
25th at the Metropolitan Ballroom. If you are interested
in purchasing tickets to this event, go online to http://
events.bizjournals.com/event/5362. Sam will also be
recognized in the June 26 issue of the Business Journal.
We hope you will pick up a copy and read more about
this honor, as well as stop by his Coon Rapids or Blaine
restaurant and personally congratulate him with a hearty
“felicitaciones!”
Local AD Link
Wanda Mills
201 119th Avenue NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55448
612-501-5938
wwwmillsw.localadlink.net
Paddy Wagon’s Irish Sports Pub
Wendy Hutt
133 Coon Rapids Boulevard NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
763-780-0500
Restaurants
Diesel & Import Auto/Truck Service
Celebrating 25 Years
Diesel & Import Auto/Truck Service, Inc. is celebrating
25 years in business this year. John Baruth took a leave
of absence from his job in April 1984 and purchased
Diesel & Import Auto Service. At that time it was a 3
stall garage in an alley in Northeast Minneapolis.
Insurance Depot
Mark Sczepaniak
8729 Central Avenue NE
Blaine, MN 55434
763-450-9000
www.insurance-depot.net
Insurance
Sayre & Associates, Inc.
Dave Sayre
421 Wabasha St. N, Suite #250
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Vernon Sales Promotions
Office
Pam Demmer
2617- 103rd Avenue NW
SourceOne Graphics, Inc.
Minneapolis, MN 55433
Paul Cowan
763-712-1840
7703 Central Avenue NE
www.vernoncompany.com
Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
Advertising/Marketing
In June of 1996, the shop was moved to a new 10,000
sq. ft. facility in Blaine, located at 9102 Isanti St NE and
“Truck” was added to the name. Fuel Injection was
added to the list of services provided, by purchasing
Quality Fuel Injection and Turbo in July of 1996. They
became a NAPA Auto/Truck Care Facility in January
1997. The growth continued with the purchase of
Diesel Service Company in 2000. This last purchase
brought John “full circle” as he was a former employee
of Diesel Service Company. Each of the acquisitions
Minnesota WorkForce Center – Anoka County has enhanced the ability to better service the car/truck
Northtown Mall
customer’s needs. Diesel Import & Auto/Truck Service
Pro Staff
provides complete mechanical repair on all makes and
PTL Tire and Auto
models, foreign and domestic vehicles.
Quarve Contracting
April 2009 – Renewals
1. 3M Championship
2. Abra Auto Body & Glass – Ham Lake
3. Babcock, Mannella, Klint, PLLP
4. City of Coon Rapids
5. Coon Rapids Fairfield Inn
6. ECM Publishers, Inc.
7. Erickson Metals of Minnesota, Inc.
8. Fairview Fridley Clinic
9. First Advantage Bank
10. Hampton Inn & Suites – Lino Lakes
11. HTG Architects
12. Lorenz Bus Service
13. Medica Insurance Co.
14. Mickman Brothers, Inc.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
Sammy Perrella’s Pizza
Select Eyecare
Sevnich, Butler, Gerlach and Brazil, LTD
Soderquist’s Market
Specific Family Chiropractic, LLC
Sterling State Bank
Trev-Co Carpet Cleaning
Xcel Energy
6
John and Becky would like to thank their employees,
customers and vendors and all who’ve helped them
along the way! Be sure to check their website at/www.
dieselandimport.com.
Get to know your Chamber!
Each month spotlights various
Chamber members.
involved and attend events regularly. The Chamber is a must for
anyone starting or running a business in the North Metro area. ”
Dean Hancy, PC Bits
For more information, call Dean Hancy at 763-360-2163 or visit www.
pcbitsweb.com.
PC Bits, owned by Dean Hancy and located at 9100 Baltimore Street
in Blaine, offers computer support, repair, information technology
(IT), outsource and wireless network installation to homeowners and
businesses.
Sherrie Hatton, SeaMaster Cruises
I became a franchise owner of SeaMaster Cruises, a cruise specialty
travel franchise in May of 2005. SeaMaster Cruises is part of Travel
Leaders Group which in 2008 had combined wholly-owned and
franchised sales of over $7.3 billion and ranks as the eighth largest
travel company in the U.S. as well as among the top five brands with
a national retail presence.
Prior to opening his own business, Dean worked at the Fair Isaac
Corporation for 12 years as a senior programmer analyst. Dean was
laid off from Fair Isaac as part of a cost-cutting measure. “It felt like
a bad thing at the time, but it turned out to be one of the best things
for me,” he said. He started PC Bits in August 2005, working out of
his house in Blaine. He soon got to the point where he had so many
customers he had to open his own place.
“I seem to have a knack for (fixing computers),” said Dean. “I really
like working with people and giving them new confidence in using
their computer. If someone has problems with their computer or
network and they don’t know what to do, I’m the guy to talk to,”
Dean said. “I want my customers to have a good experience with
their computers,” he said. “I keep my prices low because this isn’t
the time to milk people for every dime you can get out of them. I also
include a lot of training in what I do. If you give me the time, I’ll sit
with you and teach you how to take care of your computer.”
I have exciting news to share with the chamber. Beginning June 30,
2009 SeaMaster Cruises current 110 national franchise owners will
be changing their name to Cruise Holidays! You may have heard of
them; they’re a 25 year old company well-established in the travel
industry with 107 franchised locations in the United States and
Canada. Presently they’re a sister company to SeaMaster Cruises
within the Travel Leaders Group. This branding move offers the
opportunity to further build on the success of SeaMaster Cruises and
Cruise Holidays by combining operational, marketing, and support
services as well as stronger relationships with our vendors. Rest
assured that I’ll still be “your personal cruise expert.”
Dean has been a MetroNorth Chamber member since 2005.
According to Dean, “The MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce has
been extraordinarily helpful to me personally and to my business PC
Bits. I have received hundreds of referrals and customers from its
members. Easily making ten times the low yearly fee! I also value the
many great friends and business associates I have made by attending
the networking events. The staff at MetroNorth is friendly and very
helpful. The key to getting the most out of the Chamber is to get
I joined MetroNorth Chamber in the fall of 2005 as a way to get out
into the community, meet other business owners and take advantage
of the learning opportunities available to chamber members. I’m an
active member of the Ambassador committee, regularly attend the
sunrise breakfasts and get to as many other functions as time allows.
I’ve seen first hand how members work with and for other chamber
members. They truly are an advocate for each other. If you want the
chamber to work for you, make a commitment to participate.
Something you probably know about me: I love to travel; something
you may not know: I’ve been married to the same man for 31 years,
have two children and 2 grand-babies who I adore and I love Sci-fi.
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professional memberships. We invite you to register as an active employer through
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7
Volume 20
�
No. 7
�
July, 2008
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Anoka, MN 55303
Permit No. 287
9380 Central Ave. NE, Suite 320
MNat55434
Is the future of theBlaine,
automobile
our August meeting?
Zero Emissions Zero Noise…
With the cost of gas skyrocketing, other types of transportation
modes are getting a serious examination.
other questions will be addressed at
our August membership meeting.
At our next MetroNorth Chamber membership meeting, the CEO
of the “most innovative” electric car company in North America
will address Chamber members.
Mark down Tuesday, August 12th,
to attend this meeting. Registration begins at 11:00 a.m., followed
by lunch at noon. The program is
scheduled to last until 1:15 p.m.
Our featured speaker, ZENN Motor Company CEO Ian Clifford
was recently featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes, the Wall Street
Journal, Christian Science Monitor, and Road News as an innovative leader in the alternative auto industry.
Newsweek magazine called ZENN electric cars the “commuter
king of plug-in’s.” With a major breakthrough in battery technology, ZENN motors will unveil an electric car that goes 80 miles an
hour with 200 miles between battery charges. Learn about emerging alternatives to gasoline powered motor vehicles. Will electric
cars have a future as a major transportation mode? This and
The cost is $25 per member and
$35 per non-member. Tables of
eight are discounted to $160, a
savings of $40.
This meeting will be held at the
Mermaid in Mounds View, 2200
County Road 10. Please RSVP to
[email protected].
Ian Clifford
CEO of ZENN Motor Co.
Special Chamber Member “Thank You Day” at the TPC on Friday, July 18
The 3M Championship has provided “special passes” to MetroNorth Chamber members.
1
MONDAY
2
TUESDAY
tions, please e-mail [email protected] or call (763)
783-3553. Members who want to attend should call the Chamber
to arrange a time to pick up their tickets. Our address is 9380 Central Ave. NE., #320.
JUNE
On the opening day of the tournament, Chamber members will
have the opportunity to collectively network, meet with local and
state dignitaries, and potentially greet one of the top pro golfers on
the circuit. This event also includes lunch provided by Prom
Catering. Soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages will be
served free of charge. Your Chamber package also includes free
parking and shuttle service from the Anoka County Airport.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
3
4
8 am: Gala Committee,
Chamber
11:30 am: Mike Veeck
lunch, The Seasons,
Coon Rapids
7:30 am: Gov’t
Affairs Committee,
Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 18 . Come to the
Chamber
special Pro Am Tent on the 18 green. Estimated price for this
From 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. there will be a private reception, which includes appetizers, cash bar, and appearances by players at the
Tournament Players Clubhouse.
th
th
package is $150.00. The MetroNorth Chamber has a limited supply of free passes for this event. If you are interested in reserva-
8
15
9
10
11
17
18
11:30 am: Marketing 7:30 am: Board meetCommittee, Chamber
ing, Chamber
4 pm: Ambassador
Committee, Acapulco’s,
Coon Rapids.
16
5:13 pm Wine Tasting,
Acapulco’s
12pm: BEL Seminar, The Seasons,
Coon Rapids.
4 pm: Membership Committee, TBD
5
FRIDAY
7:30 am: Sunrise
Networking, Wingate,
Coon Rapids
12
7:30 am: Sunrise
Networking, Majestic
Oaks, Ham Lake.
19
7:30 am: Sunrise
Networking,
Wingate, Coon Rapids
Deadline for Advertising in
the MetroNorth issue
Please call Danielle at
763-712-3527
22
23
24
25
26
7:30 am: Sunrise
Networking, Majestic
Oaks, Ham Lake.
28
29
You Call...
We Answer
You need to spend more time talking with
your bankers than trying to reach them.
ANOKA-RAMSEY
7125 Riverdale Drive (Hwy 10)
Ramsey, MN 55303
www.villagebankonline.com
763-398-8000
BLAINE
EAST BETHEL
OAK GROVE
ST. FRANCIS
763-780-2100
763-398-8050
763-753-3777
763-753-3007
9298 Central Ave. NE
Blaine, MN 55434
18770 Hwy 65 NE
East Bethel, MN 55011
3122 Viking Blvd.
Oak Grove, MN 55011
3350 Bridge Street NW
St. Francis, MN 55070